The 50 most bonkers American cars ever made

This article provides a critical look at 50 American cars deemed 'bonkers' or aesthetically questionable by Top Gear. It highlights specific models like the Lincoln Continental Mark V and the Cadillac Seville for their design choices and mechanical reliability issues.
Why it matters
It serves as an entertainment piece for automotive enthusiasts, reflecting on the history of American car design and consumer trends.
Car news USA The 50 most bonkers American cars ever made USA The 50 most bonkers American cars ever made America has produced some truly iconic cars over the years… and also these absolute weirdos
Published: 20 Jul 2026 External link to Top Gear Magazine Subscription – 5 issues for £5 Lincoln Continental Mark V Spun off from the main Continental sedan in 1956, the Lincoln Mark series began as an elegant coupe and then spent several generations getting steadily more gaudy and tasteless. That downward trend arguably reached its zenith with the arrival of the Mark V in 1970, which clumsily blended throwback styling cues like opera windows and a big, upright grille with of-the-moment stuff like hidden headlamps. This is why everyone laughs at ’70s American cars.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in